Fresh and Savory Spring Cabbage Doenjang Soup (Bomdong Doenjang Guk)
Spring Cabbage Doenjang Soup
A heartwarming and refreshing Doenjang (fermented soybean paste) soup made with fresh spring cabbage, capturing the vibrant essence of spring. The crisp texture of the spring cabbage beautifully complements the deep, savory flavor of the doenjang, making it a delightful and healthy soup to boost your appetite. It’s simple and quick to prepare, perfect for a seasonal treat.
Main Ingredients
- Spring Cabbage (Bomdong) 300g (cleaned weight)
- Green Onion 1/2 stalk
Broth Ingredients
- Dried Anchovies for broth 1 handful (heads and guts removed)
Seasoning Ingredients
- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste) 3 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Fish Sauce or Soy Sauce for soup 1 Tbsp (for added umami)
- Dried Anchovies for broth 1 handful (heads and guts removed)
Seasoning Ingredients
- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste) 3 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Fish Sauce or Soy Sauce for soup 1 Tbsp (for added umami)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the spring cabbage. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add half a tablespoon of coarse salt, and blanch the spring cabbage for about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy. Immediately rinse the blanched cabbage in cold water to cool it down, then gently squeeze out excess water and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
In a pot, add 1600ml (about 8 cups) of water. Add the dried anchovies (with heads and guts removed) and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes to create a savory broth. Remove the anchovies, keeping only the broth.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, combine the blanched and squeezed spring cabbage with 3 Tbsp of doenjang, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp of fish sauce or soy sauce for soup. Gently mix and massage the ingredients together with your hands. Marinating the cabbage beforehand allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4
Add the marinated spring cabbage to the anchovy broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the soup comes to a rolling boil, skim off any impurities and let it simmer gently.
Step 5
When the soup is boiling, add the chopped green onion and let it simmer for another moment. The fragrant aroma of the green onion will infuse the soup, adding depth to the flavor. Continue to cook for about 5 more minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together.
Step 6
Your delicious and fragrant Spring Cabbage Doenjang Soup is ready! Enjoy it hot with a bowl of rice.
